ADVANCEMENT CEREMONIES
Scout Rocket
Greater St. Louis Area Council
Make the parts of the rocket using cardboard and poster board.
- Orange for Tiger Cubs,
- Light Blue for Bobcats
- Red for Wolves,
- Dark Blue for Bears,
- Khaki for Webelos.
- The top of the rocket should be yellow for the Arrow of Light.
Note – The picture needs updating. You need a stage for the Tigers, too!!
Or use the large emblems of Tiger cubs, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light on the fronts of the rocket parts. (Cub Scout Insignia Card Set, Item # 34150)
Cubmaster: Tonight we are welcoming our newest pack members and their parents. Each rocket must have a starting base. And in Scouting, the starting base is Tiger Cubs. Call up Tigers and Adult partners and present Awards to parents to present to Tigers. We welcome you with a Big Round of Applause!! (Clapping in a big circle).
Cubmaster: Would all the scouts earning their Bobcat tonight, please come forward with their parents. In scouting, the Bobcat award is given when the boys have achieved in learning the basis of Cub Scouting. Let the Cub Scouts demonstrate the requirements they have completed for earning this rank. Scouts will you please show us: (Choose a few of these, doing all may be a challenge) the handshake, the Scout Sign, the Motto (pause for boys to recite), the Salute (pause for boys demonstrate), the Law of the Pack (pause for boys to recite), and the Cub Scout Promise (pause for boys to recite). Present awards to parents to present to Cubs. We welcome you all to the beginning of the Cub Scout trail with a Blast Off Cheer.
Cubmaster: The next step in building our rocket is the Wolf Rank. These scouts are on their way to having fun while learning about their family, religion and world. Would the Wolf scouts, please stand. (If you have a Wolf award to give, continue). Tonight we recognize our new Wolf Scout (s), (names). Present awards to parents to present to Cubs. Thank you for all your hard work. Let’s give them a Heap How!!
Cubmaster: The next step in the path of scouting is the Bear Scout Award. The scouts continue to work on their path to learning about the world, family and themselves through sports, woodworking, and other projects. Would the Bear Scouts please stand. (If you have a Bear award to give, continue). Tonight we recognize our New Bear Scout (s), (names). Present awards to parents to present to Cubs. Thank you for all your hard work. Let’s give them a Supersonic Cheer.
Cubmaster: The next step in the path of scouting is the Webelos Scout Award. The scouts continue to work on their path to learning about the world, family and themselves through sports, woodworking and other projects while they prepare for the next phase, which is Boy Scout. Would the Webelos Scouts please stand. (If you have a Webelos award to give, continue). Tonight we recognize our New Webelos Scout (s), (names). Present awards to parents to present to Cubs. Thank you for all your hard work. Let’s give them a Class A Clap.
Cubmaster: The final piece to our rocket is the Arrow of Light. Second year Webelos work on the Arrow of Light award to prepare themselves for the world of Boy Scouting. Would our second year Webelos please stand for the benefit of the new scouts, to encourage them to complete the rocket even though the may not have any other advancement at this time. They can see how far you have come in you time with us.. And to encourage you to complete the rocket and earn your Arrow of Light!!
Past, Present and Future,
A Bobcat Advancement Ceremony)
San Gabriel Valley, Long Beach, Verdugo Hills Councils
Materials: Bobcat badge and card
Participants: Cubmaster, New Bobcats and parents
Cubmaster: A young boy stood in front of a group of people. It was his first Cub Scout Pack Meeting many years ago. He lifted his right arm and held 2 fingers in the air to give the Cub Scout Sign and said...
I promise to do my best,
To do my Duty to God and my country,
To be square and
(this line was replaced with “To help other people” in 1971)
To obey the Law of the Pack
Since that night, hundreds of thousands of boys have repeated the same procedure, as they became Cub Scouts. In the Future it will be as it is for you tonight, a promise to be honorable, truthful, kind and helpful. Tonight, we are welcoming (name of the boy(s)), to our pack and invite his (their) family to come forward as we present his (their) Bobcat Badge(s). Will the parents and new Bobcat recipient(s) please come forward?
(Name of the boy), you have indicated that you wish to become a part of the Cub Scout program. Therefore, join the ranks of many young men who began their adventure in Scouting as a Cub Scout years ago. In doing so, you have learned, as they have, the symbols of the Cub Scouts: The Cub Scout Sign, Handshake, Salute and Motto. You are able to repeat the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. As your Cubmaster, I now ask if you are ready to become a Bobcat in our Pack and accept the obligation of the Cub Scout Promise?
New Bobcat: Yes, I am.
Cubmaster: Will all the Cub Scouts from the past and present please stand and join
(name of the boy), and myself in repeating the Cub Scout Promise, just as the Cub Scout of years ago have. (Raise your arm in the Cub Scout Sign.)
I promise to do my Best
To do my Duty to God and my Country.
To help other people and
To Obey the Law of the Pack.
(Name of the boy), you have promised, as many thousands of Cub Scouts before and after you, to do your best as a Cub Scout. So on behalf of all the boys who have worn or will wear the uniform of a Cub Scout, I encourage you to remember your Promise and to wear your Cub Scout uniform with pride and honor.
Welcome to our Pack. I am giving your parents your Bobcat Badge; they will sew it on your uniform when you have done a Good Turn as a Cub Scout. (Thank the parents for their help as you hand the badge to them. Shake hands with the new Cub Scout using the Cub Scout handshake).
If your pack has other traditions for new Bobcat installations (e.g. Placing his clothespin on a totem to mark his rank progression) be sure to work them into the ceremony. If your pack does not use the Good Turn before sewing the Bobcat Badge in place, delete that line. CD
Akela the Guiding Star
Julie Byler
San Gabriel Valley, Long Beach, Verdugo Hills Councils
Cubmaster: Every boy who joins Cub Scouts, whatever his age, first earns the Bobcat badge by learning the Cub Scout Promise, the Cub Scout sign, the Cub Scout salute, the Cub Scout Handshake, the meaning of Webelos, the Law of the Pack and the Cub Scout Motto. He earns his badge with the guiding help of Akela, the adults in each boy’s life.
In the beginning, man enjoyed the stars - the twinkling bits of light that would light his way. Like the Tigers, they started with small journeys close to home.
Asst CM: Would the following Tiger Scouts and their parents please come forward?
(List boys earning the Tiger badge.)
Congratulations!
(Present badge to parents to pin on their son's shirt.
Then Tigers may sit down)
Cubmaster: Like Wolf Scouts, as man watched the sky he learned more and noticed that he could make out shapes and that they were constant. He could go farther, meet new people and try new things. He could take longer adventures over rivers and forest covered mountains and still find his way home, the stars guiding him.
Asst CM: Would the following Wolf Scouts and their parents please come forward?
(List boys earning the Wolf badge.)
Congratulations!
(Present badge to parents to pin on their son's shirt.
Then Wolves may sit down.)
Cubmaster: Soon, like the Bear Scouts, man needed new adventures. He took journeys upon the water. He learned that the stars are different the world over but still can guide you safely. He learned about cultures and languages different than his own. He was safe in knowing that the stars were always there to guide him homeward.
Asst CM: Would the following Bear Scouts and their parents please come forward?
(List boys earning the Bear badge.)
Congratulations!
(Present badge to parents to pin on their son's shirt.
Then Bears may sit down.)
Cubmaster: Then, like the Webelos Scout, man became braver and more knowledgeable. Man with his good mind and hands could build ships that could float on the wind. Even though Flight could be dangerous it took him closer to God. God had created the stars and the stars would get him where he needed to be.
Asst CM: Would the following Webelos Scouts and their parents please come forward?
(List boys earning the Webelos badge.)
Congratulations!
(Present badge to parents to pin on their son's shirt.
The Webelos may sit down.)
Cubmaster: The Future unfolds and Man is in Space. Like the Webelos earning their Arrow of Light, the ultimate challenge has been achieved. Nothing can hold him back. He can go anywhere, be anything and still be guided by the same stars that brought him to this place of honor and glory tonight. The wish has become reality
Asst CM: Would the following Webelos Scouts and their parents please come forward?
(List boys earning the Arrow of Light badge.)
Congratulations on achieving the highest rank in Cub Scouts!
(Present badge to parents to pin on their son's shirt.
Then Webelos may sit down.)
Cubmaster: As you began this trip you needed a Star to guide you. The North Star is Akela. Akelas are everywhere your parents, teachers, den leaders and even your Cubmaster, the people who steer you on the right path, trail and course are all Akela.
Stay the course and always do your best.
Congratulations to all of you!
THE CUB IN THE FUTURE
Sam Houston Area Council
Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman: Tonight, we have a group of possible future firemen, professional athletes, EMTs, veterinarians, and Generals and Admirals who are taking their first step on the trail to success. We call it the “Cub Scout Trail.” Will the following possible future Mayors (Tigers) and their constituents (Parents) come forward? Let these future leaders of the people repeat with me the Tiger Cub Motto. All Tigers repeat the Tiger Cub Motto.
The Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman gives the badge to the parent(s) who pin it on their son.
Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman: Tonight, we have a group of possible future astronauts, bank presidents, elected officials, prosperous merchants, and captains of industry who are taking another step toward success on the “Cub Scout Trail.” Will the following possible future Senators (Bobcats) and their constituents (Parents) come forward? Let these future lawmakers repeat with me the Cub Scout Promise and the law of the Pack: All Bobcats repeat the Cub Scout promise and Law of the pack.
The Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman gives the badges to the parent(s) who pins it on their son.
Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman: Next, we have another group of future world citizens—Olympic Gold Medal Winners, gifted writers, diplomats, college professors, and future engineers who will shape our tomorrows. These Cub Scouts have completed the first 12 achievements and have earned the badge of Wolf. Will you Cub Scouts come forward with your parents?
The Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman gives the badge to the parent(s) who pin it on their son.
Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman: Parents have a tendency to think of them as just little boys, but these are the ones who will sit on the Supreme Court benches, the future captains of industry who will help solve the problems of pollution, grapple with the challenges of world peace and prosperity and overcome the limitations of energy and resources. You have completed the required achievements of the rank of Bear. Will Bears please come forward with your parents?
The Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman gives the badge to the parent(s) who pin it on their son.
Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman: It’s not too far-fetched for us to think of our Webelos Scouts as the movers and shapers of our future. They have demonstrated an ability to perform necessary accomplishments in earning Activity Badges. A journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step. Will the following Webelos Scouts step up and be recognized?
The Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman gives the badge to the parent(s) who pin it on their son.
Cubmaster or Advancement Chairman: Scouting is in the business of Character building and will deliver to a nation a great gift, a new generation of prepared young citizens—physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight—young people who are growing through their Scouting experience, learning the lessons of responsibilities of citizenship and priding themselves on the great accomplishments of our country.
Solar System Advancement Ceremony
Baltimore Area Council
Arrangements: Ceremony board resembles chart of Sun and planets with Cub as the Sun and Cub ranks as planets. A small blue and yellow cardboard rocket should be made for each Cub getting a badge and placed on or under his rank. If a loop of masking tape is placed on the back of each rocket, the rocket can be moved by the Cubmaster to the new rank as the parents are presenting the badge. (Use Cub Scout insignia stickers.)
CUBMASTER: Will the Den Chiefs (Den Leaders) please bring forward the Cub Scouts who are ready for advancement?
(Den Chiefs bring Cubs forward and give their names.)
Cub Scouts, we are happy to see you have taken another flight forward in our Cub Scout galaxy. Please face your fellow Cub Scouts and Den Chief (name) will lead them in the Den cheer. (Den Chief leads Den cheer.)
Den Chiefs, will you please bring the parents of these Cub Scouts forward.
(Den Chiefs bring parents forward placing each Cub Scout between his parents.)
These Cub Scouts have done a fine job in our Pack. They are progressing through the Cub Scout galaxy. This would not be possible if it were not for the interest and help of their parents. I’m proud of the parents in our Pack. As I move your rocket forward on our galaxy, your parent(s) will present you with your badge.
(Cubmaster calls of names as he moves rockets to appropriate ranks on ceremony board while parents presents badges. Cubmaster leads cheer and congratulates Cubs and parents with Cub Scout handshake.)
Martian Land Deeds
Baltimore Area Council
Props: Martian Land Deeds for each Cub Scout earning an award, and a large scroll (proclamation) to be read by the Cubmaster. If you really want to get the Cubs excited, dress up the Cubmaster like a green, one eyed, etc., Martian.
CUBMASTER: (holds large scroll in hands and reads.) We, of Mars, in the interest of establishing a permanent and desirable civilization, will provide a Martian Land Deed to any earthling who can qualify for space travel and exploration by earning one or more of the Cub Scout badges listed on the deed.
Said deed will provide one acre of Martian land for every listed badge earned by a Cub Scout. (Call names of Cubs receiving awards, identify awards they are to receive and present deed, with badges attached)
In recognition of advanced training and preparation for space travel, we of the planet mars grant (how many badges earned) acres of land to Cub Scout (Cub’s name) for earning the badge(s) listed below:
Bobcat badge:
(Continue for Wolf Badge; Bear Badge; Arrow Points, Webelos Activity Pins, Webelos Badge; Arrow of Light Award
Whereof, we set our hand this day of (month) (year) Cubmaster: (Name) Committee Chairman: (Name)
